Barrister Dr. Saif announces swift action against negligence, river encroachment crackdown during emotional visit to flood victims’ family
MARDAN: Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr. Saif, visited the grieving family in Mardan’s Nawan Kali Rustam, who lost three members in the recent tragic flood incident in Swat. He was accompanied by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Technical Education, Mr. Tufail Anjum, and Director General Information, Mr. Ansarullah Khilji.
During the visit, the government delegation expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and conveyed a special message of sympathy from Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Barrister Dr. Saif assured the family that the Chief Minister and the entire provincial government share in their grief. He said that the entire nation mourns the Swat tragedy, and financial compensation announced by the government will be provided to the affected family without delay.
He further stated that action was already being taken against those found negligent in their duties. While natural disasters are beyond human control, the government is taking strict disciplinary action against any official negligence. As an initial step, the Deputy Commissioner of Swat, two Assistant Commissioners, and the Rescue 1122 Swat In-Charge have been removed from their positions.
Barrister Dr. Saif also announced that the Chief Minister has constituted a high-level inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate the incident. The committee has begun its work and will soon present its findings to the Chief Minister. Once the report is received, all individuals found guilty of negligence will be held accountable.
He also shared that following the incident, an indiscriminate operation has been launched against encroachments along the Swat River. Structures violating the River Act are being demolished. Additionally, the government is working to strengthen the rescue services by equipping them with modern tools and technology to minimize damage in any future emergencies.